The short answer: Boston buyers can commission a bespoke engagement ring from our Manchester workshop online, approve the design in writing and receive it by insured, tracked FedEx delivery. Import duty and taxes are paid by the customer, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Boston is a city of universities, history and river walks. Its buyers often appreciate heritage and quiet quality.
A ring with a sense of history
In a city with centuries of architecture, many clients like vintage inspired designs, such as milgrain edges and hidden halos. We can design a ring with the feel of an heirloom that is made new. See engagement ring setting types.
Family pieces
If you have inherited stones or gold, we can talk about reusing them in a new design, so the ring carries family history. We inspect older stones first and tell you what we find. Our guide to resetting an heirloom or inherited diamond explains what that inspection covers and what is realistic.
Vintage details that wear well
Some period details look lovely on day one but need more care over time. Fine milgrain can soften with years of wear, and very thin bands can bend. We suggest proportions that keep the vintage feel while standing up to daily life, such as a slightly heavier band under a delicate head, or a hidden halo instead of an exposed one. You see each option in a render before you decide.
Old cuts and modern cuts
An old cut diamond, such as an old European or old mine cut, has a softer, more romantic sparkle than a modern round brilliant, with broad flashes rather than a crisp glitter. Some clients love that look for a vintage design, while others prefer the brightness of a modern cut in a vintage style setting. We can show both on video so you can see the difference in movement and light.
Cold winters, warm summers
New England winters are cold and snowy. Gloves and scarves are part of life, so smooth, low settings snag less. See cold climate ring care.
Time difference
Boston is roughly five hours behind the UK for most of the year. A late morning call there reaches us in the early evening.
US sizing
US ring sizes are numbered. Send a size and a millimetre measurement. If the ring is a surprise, our guide to finding a ring size secretly may help.
How it works
- We talk through your ideas by message or video.
- You approve a design in writing before making starts.
- Making takes a standard 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
- Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Planning around a date
Many Boston proposals are timed for autumn colour, the holidays or a spring walk by the river. Count back from your date: allow a few days spare, then delivery and customs, then the making time, then the design conversation. Starting around three months ahead gives a comfortable margin. Tell us your date at the first message and we will say plainly in writing what is realistic.
Duty and tax
Import duty and taxes are paid by the customer, and rules differ. We explain what to expect. See US import duty after de minimis ended.
Proposal ideas
A river walk, a public garden or a harbour view all work. Check access and the season, and bring a backup for the weather.
See engagement ring etiquette in the US and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a vintage style ring? Yes.
Who pays duty? The customer.
Can we talk on video? Yes.
Can you reuse a family stone? Often, once we have inspected it and told you what we find.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.